NUJ at 70: Akpabio Demands Media Rebirth – ‘Break News, Not Society’ in Digital Age

Article arrow_drop_down

NUJ’s 70th Milestone: Akpabio Calls for Ethical Revolution in Journalism

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has challenged the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to lead a “reorientation toward ethical, nation-building journalism” during its 70th-anniversary visit to the National Assembly. Marking the landmark event, Akpabio condemned social media misinformation while pledging support for the union’s Media Enhancement Bill.


Akpabio’s Mandate: From Antagonism to Partnership

In a direct address to NUJ President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya and delegates:

“Colonial masters are gone. Journalism must evolve beyond fighting government to partnering for progress under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Key directives:

  • Combat Misinformation“Breaking news should not break society” – prioritize accuracy over speed.
  • Tech Adoption: Embrace innovation to educate the public on journalism’s value.
  • Reframe Narratives: Reject the myth that “bad news sells better than good news.”

NUJ’s Asks: Media Enhancement Bill & Anniversary Plans

  • Legislative Push: Yahaya formally requested Akpabio’s backing for the Media Enhancement Bill to “holistically support journalists nationwide.”
  • June 21 Celebration: 70th-anniversary event to honor past leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe and Anthony Enahoro.
  • Historical Legacy: Founded March 15, 1955, NUJ remains a “steadfast pillar of Nigeria’s democracy.

Stakeholder Commitments

  • Senate’s Pledge: Akpabio confirmed attendance at the June 21 event and vowed “full cooperation” with NUJ reforms.
  • NUJ’s Tribute: Yahaya praised Akpabio’s “key legislations shaping responsive governance” and democratic growth.

Why This Matters
With 87% of Nigerians consuming news via social media (NOIPolls 2025), this call for ethical reorientation tackles disinformation at its root while positioning media as a development partner – not a perpetual adversary.

“We must love one another, promote togetherness, and secure the nation. Government can’t do it alone.”
― Sen. Godswill Akpabio to NUJ delegation

[CTA]: “Subscribe for media industry insights, legislative updates, and NUJ anniversary coverage.”


Full Event Highlights

Key MomentsParticipants
Ethics & innovation callAkpabio, NUJ National President
Media Enhancement Bill appealComrade Alhassan Yahaya
June 21 invite confirmationNUJ FCT Chair Grace Ike + state delegates
Historical legacy tributeHonoring Azikiwe, Enahoro, past leaders

Next Step: Senate review of Media Enhancement Bill ahead of NUJ’s landmark June 21 celebration.

About the author

trending_flat
DJ Abass Set to Bring Authentic Nigerian Flavors to London with My Tasty Naija Food Festival

From YouTube Sensation to Real-Life Festival The popular YouTube series My Tasty Naija is stepping off the screen and into real life with its first-ever food festival in London . Set for Sunday, July 13, 2025 , at the Chingford Rugby Club , this event will celebrate Nigerian and African cuisine like never before. What began as a digital journey through Nigerian food culture in January 2024 has grown into a full-blown cultural movement. Created by British-Nigerian media entrepreneur and DJ, Abass Tijani (DJ Abass) , the show quickly became a go-to platform for lovers of Nigerian food across the UK and beyond. A Culinary Journey Across Continents Since its launch, My Tasty Naija has taken viewers on a flavorful adventure — from the best suya spots in Peckham to top jollof rice makers in Wembley . One standout episode […]

trending_flat
NiMet Warns of Three-Day Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across Nigeria

NiMet Predicts Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that thunderstorms and heavy rains will affect many parts of Nigeria from Saturday to Monday . This weather outlook was released on Friday in Abuja and shared by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The forecast covers all regions of the country, with varying intensity and timing across states. Saturday: Storms Begin in the North and Central Zones Early on Saturday, thunderstorms were expected in parts of: Taraba Kebbi Zamfara Kaduna Adamawa Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain were likely in: Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi In the North-Central region , early morning storms were predicted for: Benue, Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa By afternoon, thunderstorms and rain were expected to spread to: FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau Cloudy skies with morning rain […]

trending_flat
Polio: Kano Man Narrates How UNICEF and Deputy Governor Spurred Him to Immunise His Child

Father Changes Mind After Hearing Officials Speak Dan Jumai Ubale, from Bunkure Local Government Area in Kano , decided to immunise his two-year-old daughter after attending a polio campaign event. He was moved by speeches given by the Deputy Governor , Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam , and the UNICEF Chief in Kano , Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah . He later returned with his daughter, Hafsat Musbahu , for immediate vaccination. He was joined by his wife, Hajiya Sahura Balarabe . “I Thought the Vaccine Was Harmful” Ubale admitted that he once believed the polio vaccine was dangerous . “I thought it was a plan by Western countries to reduce Africa’s population.” But after listening to the officials speak, he said his views completely changed. “Now I know the vaccine protects children. I don’t want my daughter to get sick or […]

trending_flat
“I Have No Regret at All” – Wike Defends Naming Abuja Conference Centre After Tinubu

Wike Stands by Decision to Name Conference Centre After Tinubu Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike , has defended the renaming of the Abuja International Conference Centre after President Bola Tinubu . He made the remarks in Abuja on Friday , during the inauguration of the completed 15-kilometre left-hand service carriage way of OSEX Stage II , from Ring Road I to Wassa Junction . The decision to rename the facility as the Tinubu International Conference Centre sparked criticism from some members of the public. Others questioned the N39 billion spent on its renovation, calling it a misplaced priority . “I Have No Regret at All,” Says Wike In response to the backlash, Wike said: “I have done it, and I have no regret at all.” He asked why some people were criticising the naming of the […]

trending_flat
Peter Obi Calls for National Emergency Over Benue Killings

Obi Demands National Emergency Over Benue Violence Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent wave of killings in Benue State . More than 200 lives were reportedly lost in a single attack, with many victims being women, children, soldiers, and displaced persons. In a statement released on Sunday, Obi said the tragedy has become too frequent in Nigerian life , and called for a national emergency to address the situation. He described the attacks as not just violence, but a failure of leadership and a moral stain on the country’s conscience. “Every life lost is a Nigerian life—each one precious, each one irreplaceable.” Government Must Act, Not Just React Obi questioned the ability of the government at all levels to protect citizens when such large-scale loss of life continues unchecked. “The primary duty of any government […]

trending_flat
Iran-Bound Businessman Nabbed at Port Harcourt Airport for Ingesting 53 Cocaine Wraps

Cocaine Found in Swallowed Wraps A 44-year-old man, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian , was arrested at Port Harcourt International Airport on 7 June . He was trying to board a Qatar Airways flight to Tehran , Iran, when he was stopped by NDLEA officers . A body scan showed signs of drug ingestion. He later excreted 53 wraps of cocaine in six batches. The total weight was 1.172 kilograms . The arrest was announced in a statement by Femi Babafemi of the NDLEA . Ezemokwe admitted to trafficking drugs for two years. He said he had made several trips between West Africa and Iran . Recent Trend Seen in Iran-Bound Flights Less than two weeks earlier, another man, Chinedu Leonard Okigbo, 60 , was caught at Kano International Airport with 65 pellets of cocaine in his stomach while trying to fly […]

Related

trending_flat
Italy Appoints World Cup Winner Gennaro Gattuso as Head Coach

On June 15, 2025, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the Italy national team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, who resigned after a 3-0 loss to Norway. Gattuso signed an initial one-year contract aimed at guiding Italy through the remainder of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, with critical fixtures against Estonia (Sept 5) and Israel. 1. A Symbol of Italian Football The 47-year-old Gattuso is a revered figure in Italian football—capped 73 times, part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, and remembered for his fiery leadership on the pitch. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina echoed this sentiment: “The Azzurra jersey is like a second skin for him”, praising his passion, professionalism, and suitability to lead Italy forward. 2. Coaching Track Record Gattuso brings varied managerial experience, having led clubs such as AC Milan, Napoli (winning the […]

trending_flat
DJ Abass Set to Bring Authentic Nigerian Flavors to London with My Tasty Naija Food Festival

From YouTube Sensation to Real-Life Festival The popular YouTube series My Tasty Naija is stepping off the screen and into real life with its first-ever food festival in London . Set for Sunday, July 13, 2025 , at the Chingford Rugby Club , this event will celebrate Nigerian and African cuisine like never before. What began as a digital journey through Nigerian food culture in January 2024 has grown into a full-blown cultural movement. Created by British-Nigerian media entrepreneur and DJ, Abass Tijani (DJ Abass) , the show quickly became a go-to platform for lovers of Nigerian food across the UK and beyond. A Culinary Journey Across Continents Since its launch, My Tasty Naija has taken viewers on a flavorful adventure — from the best suya spots in Peckham to top jollof rice makers in Wembley . One standout episode […]

trending_flat
L’Opposition Traditionnelle Togolaise en Mode Offensif

L'Ultimatum au Pouvoir : "Faure Doit Partir Maintenant" Jean-Pierre Fabre (ANC), Paul Dodji Apevon (FDR) et leurs alliés lancent un appel à la désobéissance civile prévu pour le 23 juin 2025. Leur exigence est sans équivoque : ✊ "Démission immédiate" de Faure Gnassingbé🗣 "Nous n'accepterons plus qu'une minorité prenne notre pays en otage", clame Jean-Pierre Fabre Contexte de cette Radicalisation ✔ Sentiment d'être marginalisés par les nouvelles voix contestataires✔ Menace perçue des influenceurs et activistes des réseaux sociaux✔ Stratégie de dernière chance avant les échéances électorales Une Opposition sous Double Pression 1. Face au Pouvoir ◼ Refus du dialogue depuis des années◼ Usure des stratégies traditionnelles de contestation 2. Face aux Nouvelles Voix Contestataires ⚠ Concurrence inédite des mouvements citoyens en ligne⚠ Décalage générationnel avec les modes de mobilisation Analyse : Quel Impact pour cette Nouvelle Stratégie ? Risques 🛑 Répression gouvernementale accrue💥 Division au sein de la contestation Opportunités 🔥 Mobilisation de la base traditionnelle📢 Médiatisation de la cause oppositionnelle 💬 Et Vous ?Cette stratégie de désobéissance civile […]

trending_flat
Vacances Scolaires au Togo : Le Casse-Tête de l’Occupation des Enfants

Le Stress Estival des Parents Togolais Avec l'approche des grandes vacances, une question cruciale se pose dans les foyers :"Comment occuper les enfants pendant deux mois ?"Comme le rapporte L'Union, cette période de rupture scolaire génère un véritable stress parental, entre besoin de détente et nécessité de suivi éducatif. Les Options Disponibles (Mais Inégales) 🏕️ Centres aérés et colonies de vacances📚 Cours de soutien et rattrapage👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Garde familiale ou communautaire🎨 Ateliers culturels de quartier Une Équation Complexe : Budget vs Disponibilité Pour les Familles Aisées ✔ Accès aux structures payantes spécialisées✔ Possibilité de programmes éducatifs premium Pour les Ménages Plus Modestes ◼ Solidarité familiale ou voisinage◼ Initiatives communautaires (bibliothèques de rue, sports de quartier)◼ Garde à domicile souvent improvisée Un Enjeu de Société Qui Dépasse l'Été Derrière cette question saisonnière se cachent des défis structurels : ⚠ Offre limitée en infrastructures de loisirs⚠ Disparités sociales dans l'accès aux activités⚠ Besoin criant de solutions pérennes Initiatives Locales Prometteuses Ateliers créatifs gratuits Tournois sportifs de […]

trending_flat
2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Guide to All 32 Teams and Format

1. Dates & Format When & Where: June 14 – July 13, 2025, across 12 venues in 11 US cities. Format: 32 clubs split into 8 groups of 4; group stage → top two advance to the Round of 16 → knockouts → final (no third-place play-off) . Prize Money: Nearly £100 million total, with significant financial rewards for participating and advancing clubs. 2. Qualified Clubs by Confederation Allocation follows FIFA’s approved slot system: UEFA (12 spots): Powerhouses like Manchester City, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, Porto, Borussia Dortmund, Benfica, Red Bull Salzburg. CONMEBOL (6): Champions such as Flamengo, River Plate, Fluminense, Palmeiras, Boca Juniors, Botafogo. AFC (4): Al-Hilal, Ulsan Hyundai, J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds, Al Ain. CAF (3): Likely Al Ahly, Esperance, Wydad AC. CONCACAF (3): Inter Miami (host), Monterrey, Pachuca, plus Seattle […]

trending_flat
NiMet Warns of Three-Day Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain Across Nigeria

NiMet Predicts Widespread Rain and Thunderstorms The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that thunderstorms and heavy rains will affect many parts of Nigeria from Saturday to Monday . This weather outlook was released on Friday in Abuja and shared by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The forecast covers all regions of the country, with varying intensity and timing across states. Saturday: Storms Begin in the North and Central Zones Early on Saturday, thunderstorms were expected in parts of: Taraba Kebbi Zamfara Kaduna Adamawa Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain were likely in: Borno, Sokoto, Gombe, and Bauchi In the North-Central region , early morning storms were predicted for: Benue, Plateau, Niger, FCT, and Nasarawa By afternoon, thunderstorms and rain were expected to spread to: FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Benue, Kwara, Kogi, and Plateau Cloudy skies with morning rain […]

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Login to enjoy full advantages

Please login or subscribe to continue.

Go Premium!

Enjoy the full advantage of the premium access.

Stop following

Unfollow Cancel

Cancel subscription

Are you sure you want to cancel your subscription? You will lose your Premium access and stored playlists.

Go back Confirm cancellation